Game on, Grammys!

February 06, 2009|BY JIM WALSH

The Grammys are kind of in a bad way. Everyone loves to talk about -- or rip on -- the awards show (airing 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS), but no one really watches it.

Only 17.5 million viewers tuned in last year, compared to the average 28 million who tune in for "American Idol," the Detroit News reports. And the show didn't exactly boost its street cred when Herbie Hancock's "River: The Joni Letters," a collection of Joni Mitchell cover songs, won 2008 Album of the Year.

Lil Wayne leads the pack of nominees with eight nods, and there's speculation he might actually take home the hardware for best album ("Tha Carter III"). OutKast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" was the last rap or hip-hop album to do that ... in 2004.

So get hyped for the Grammys this year. Our handy game should be just the thing to keep your attention throughout the broadcast. And if you want to make it a drinking game, hey, we're not going to judge.

- - -

The broadcast goes into overtime.

Estelle really milks the British accent thing.

Radiohead encourages Grammy voters to choose whatever they like when voting.

Chris Martin makes a shout-out to Gwyneth Paltrow.

Lil Wayne sweeps, wins best album.

M.I.A., whose due date is Sunday, will have her baby at the show.

Robert Plant's "Raising Sand" tops Weezy.

National Academy of Recordings Arts and Sciences president Neil Portnow makes a speech.

Diddy wears a white tux.

Carson Daly is nowhere to be found.

Jonas Brothers show up wearing what looks like girl's clothes.

Best Polka Album? "Hungry For More" by Polka Family Band.

Presenters Blink-182 streak across the stage like it's 2003.

Someone trips on the red carpet.

Ne-Yo wears a hat.

Kid Rock gets into a fight.

Katy Perry mentions her cat, Kitty Purry. Or her ex-boyfriend.

The "multiple presenters" concept gets a little old.

Kanye whines about something.

Presenter Jack Black spazzes out about something.

Lupe Fiasco and the members of Metallica sit together.

Adele and Duffy team up on the Jonas Brothers after losing in best new artist category.